Lecture, Barnard's Inn Hall, Tuesday, 18 May 2027 - 18:00

Can We End Malaria?

An illustration featuring a stylised, large black mosquito with pink wings resting on an open, palm-up human hand shown in grayscale. The hand and mosquito are centred within a light blue circle, all set against a solid bright blue background

When Pope Urban VIII caught malaria during the Papal conclave of 1623, the news spread. A Peruvian Jesuit sent bark from the chinchona tree. This contains quinine, a highly effective anti-malarial and ingredient of tonic water. While malaria is no longer a threat in Rome, it remains a devastating global disease.

We consider the rise and fall of quinine as an effective treatment. We explore current treatments and vaccines, as well as the latest attempts to eradicate malaria.

Professor Matthew Higgins

Professor Matt Higgins

Gresham Professor of Physic

Matt Higgins is fascinated by parasites which cause human diseases. These amazing organisms have evolved many tricks to enable them to survive within our bodies...

Find out more

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